Description: Binary Dawn is an extensive gameplay overhaul based on Maniac's excellent Smaniac project. The new features include:

1. A reworked tech tree which allows earlier access to useful facilities like Tachyon Fields and delays discovery of certain projects like the Cloudbase Academy. Some of the techs have been renamed. For example, Centauri Agriculture allows access to forests, while Centauri Ecology permits Green Economics.

2. A revised social engineering system. Democracy is no longer the only feasible political choice. Less favored choices like Fundamentalist and Power have been boosted. The Future Society row has also undergone revision.

3. Rebalanced SMAC and SMAX factions. Aside from the Progenitors, all human factions should operate at roughly the same power level. Seven new factions, based around unusual gameplay options, may also be selected.

4. A redesign of the combat system. Choppers have reduced range. The AAA special ability appears well before needlejets, so fighting an opponent with air power does not equate to extinction. Hypnotic trance and empath song are slightly less effective to empower PSI. Defense is a viable strategy thanks to cheaper and earlier armor.

Binary Dawn includes many other features to improve the Alpha Centauri gaming experience. Try it out for a new take on a great game!

Random quote

Abort, Retry, Fail?' was the phrase some wormdog scrawled next to the door of the Edit Universe project room. And when the new dataspinners started working, fabricating their worlds on the huge organic comp systems, we'd remind them: if you see this message, always choose 'Retry.
~Bad'l Ron, Wakener, Morgan Polysoft